Frog and Toad are friends, and as such get into a number of frequently silly, occasionally scary and always heartfelt adventures.
The Iola Community Theatre brings Arnold Lobel’s beloved title characters to life through the dynamic duo of Drew Shepherd and Bryan Johnson, with “A Year With Frog and Toad.”
The dessert theater show runs tonight at 7:30 and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the ICT Warehouse, 203 S. Jefferson Ave. Tickets sell for $15.05 for adults and $10.70 for students online, and $15.50 and $10.50, respectively, at the door.
In Johnson, a seasoned veteran of countless ICT productions and Shepherd, a rookie with the Community Theatre, the play’s protagonists will keep the audience delighted from the first signs of spring through the next winter’s hibernation.
Johnson is Toad, whose fondness for keeping tabs on his best friend often lead to fits of anxiety.
He’s a worrier, whether it be from planting flower seeds or trying to figure out why Frog wants to be alone to sledding down a steep hill covered with snow.
Shepherd, as Frog, is a bit more affable, content to simply being a frog, and patient enough to endure his best friend’s idiosyncrasies.
Shepherd and Bryan see that their personalities shine through.
Shepherd’s deep baritone voice (much more melodic than a croaking frog, mind you) and expressive nature show just how much he enjoys his time on stage.
Johnson, meanwhile, perfects his neurotic, yet pleasant character, who yearns, mostly, to keep his friends happy. He, too, will have the audience tapping their toes to a number of cheery tunes.
BUT “FROG and Toad” is much more than just a frog and toad.
Kate Terhune, Alison Fees and young Kendall Glaze sparkle as a trio of birds, who frequently pop in to announce the arrival of spring, dine on cookies, or tease the titular characters in their ill-fated attempt to fly a kite.
Mandy Moyer — co-director with Angie Terhune — has a handful of memorable scenes as a cheery turtle, while newcomer Jacob Cooper is a hoot as a determined mail carrier. That it takes months to deliver a single letter — did we mention he’s a snail? — matters not a lick to the single-minded snail (who puts the “go” in “escargot.”)
And keep an eye on young Cole Moyer, whose voice belies his young age. The future, indeed, is bright in the local theater scene.
Angie Whitmore is joined by newcomers Stephanie Fees, Cole Moyer and Spencer Sargent on a brief interlude.
TYING THE production together is the cheery music and simple but effective scenery, ensuring
a play geared for youngsters is an enjoyable day at the theater for folks of all ages.
